Definition
In this entry, the authors want to introduce you to some theoretical models of autism based on the three main models of disability – the medical model, the social model, and the bio/psycho/social model – which we will review briefly first. But there are two terminology matters to consider before we begin. We explain why we use autism-first language in this entry. And we explain some terms introduced by Ian Hacking and Carol Thomas, an understanding of which is crucial to our discussion of the theoretical models.
We use autism-first language throughout this entry. That is because this form of language is generally preferred to person-first language by autistic adults. Although Dunn and Andrews argue that both forms should be used “to address the concerns of disability groups while promoting human dignity and maintaining scientific and professional rigor” (2015, p. 255), we are unaware of any evidence that respecting the views of the majority of autistic adults in this regard...
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References and Readings
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Chown, N., Beardon, L. (2017). Theoretical Models and Autism. In: Volkmar, F. (eds) Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_102171-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_102171-1
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